Country, also known as country and western, is a music genre that originated in the southern United States, specifically in the South and Southwest. Emerging in the 1920s, it primarily centres on storytelling through song, often reflecting the lives of working-class and blue-collar Americans.
The genre is characterised by ballads and dance tunes—commonly referred to as honky-tonk music—with straightforward structures, folk-style lyrics, and harmonies.
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Country, also known as country and western, is a music genre that originated in the southern United States, specifically in the South and Southwest. Emerging in the 1920s, it primarily centres on storytelling through song, often reflecting the lives of working-class and blue-collar Americans.
The genre is characterised by ballads and dance tunes—commonly referred to as honky-tonk music—with straightforward structures, folk-style lyrics, and harmonies. Typical instrumentation includes banjos, fiddles, harmonicas, and various types of guitars such as acoustic, electric, steel, and resonator.
While country music is deeply rooted in American folk traditions like old-time and Appalachian music, it has also been shaped by a broad range of influences, including African-American, Mexican, Irish, and Hawaiian musical styles. Blues elements have featured prominently throughout its development as well.
Originally known as "hillbilly music", the term "country music" became widely used in the 1940s. It later came to include western music—a related style that developed from the same roots. Modern forms of western music include Texas country, red dirt, and Tejano and New Mexico music, the latter led by Hispano- and Mexican-American artists. These newer expressions continue to exist alongside older, indigenous traditions.
As of 2009, country music was the most listened-to genre during the evening rush hour in the United States, and the second most popular in the morning commute.
